USC quarterback Matt Barkley is “confident” he will play against Washington despite sitting out Monday’s practice with a bruised shoulder, according to Trojans coach Pete Carroll.

“He said it’s sore, but he’s confident he can play,” Carroll said.

Carroll met with Barkley on Monday night to check his status. Barkley did not throw during Monday’s practice but handed the ball off on a play and also yawned for those tracking his every movement.

He even signed autographs afterwards, something Matt Leinart did not like to do when he was healthy.

“They think he will be OK by the end of the week,” Carroll said.

Barkley underwent an MRI test Monday but nothing worse than a bruise was detected. Carroll said there was no deadline on when Barkley needed to practice in order to play.

USC did not allow Barkley to speak to the media Monday. Quarterback Aaron Corp, on the other hand, appears fully recovered from his cracked fibula.

Carroll defended Barkley’s passing numbers (15-31, 195 yards, one interception) against Ohio State by explaining wide receivers David Ausberry and Damian Williams caught two passes out of bounds while Ausberry slipped on another pass.

He did concede that Barkley has “got to keep the ball in bounds a little bit.” And he said the freshman, “misfired on a couple slants.” That was about as critical as any USC coach has been this season.

USC is ranked 90 th in the nation in third-down conversions (32 percent) after two games. “We just have to get better,” Carroll said.

Hall out

Freshman safety Patrick Hall did not clear the NCAA’s academic requirements by Friday’s deadline and will not attend classes at USC this semester. He can enroll in the spring semester if he qualifies. Hall, who tore knee ligaments in his only USC practice, underwent surgery two weeks ago and is back home in Ventura.

Kicker, punter updates

Jordan Congdon will remain the placekicker, Carroll said. He missed a 44-yard attempt that hit the crossbar against Ohio State. He will continue to be used inside 45 yards.

There could be a change at punter, as Jake Harfman will challenge Billy O’Malley in practices this week.

“We’ll have an open competition,” Carroll said.

Injury notes

Safety Taylor Mays underwent an MRI, which detected only a mildly sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee. … Tailback Marc Tyler will miss the Washington game with a bruised toe. … Safety Drew McAllister (hip pointer) is not full speed but might play. … Offensive tackle Charles Brown was sick and did not practice.

No fumbles

Tailback Joe McKnight admitted he was consumed with holding on to the ball during the Trojans’ winning drive against Ohio State.

“The only thing I was worried about was ball security,” McKnight said. “It’s harder to run when that’s the only thing on your mind, but that’s what I needed to have on my mind.”

McKnight said he did not expect Carroll to rely so much on him during the drive.

“Coach Carroll gave me a chance to take over,” he said. “I was a little surprised.”

Washington State kickoff

USC’s game against Washington State at the Coliseum on Sept. 26 will kick off at 7:15 p.m. and be televised on Fox Sports Net.